Immunizations and vaccinations

1.  What are immunizations?

Immunization is a process by which a person becomes protected against a disease through vaccination. This is interchangeable with the term vaccination. When a person gets a vaccination, they are immune to whatever disease relates to that vaccination.

2.  What are vaccinations?

Vaccines are products that produce immunity to a specific disease. It is a simple, safe and effective way to protect people against harmful disease before they come into contact with them. It uses your body’ natural defenses to build resistance to specific infections and makes your immune system stronger.

3.  When should I get immunizations or vaccinations?

In most countries you will be given a vaccination card that tells you what vaccines you or your child have had and when the next vaccines or booster doses are due. It is important to make sure that all these vaccines are up to date. If you delay vaccination, you are at risk of getting seriously sick.

4.  How does a vaccine work?

Vaccines reduce risks of getting a disease by working with your body’s natural defenses to build protection. When you get a vaccine, your immune system responds. It recognizes the invading germ such as the virus or the bacteria, produces antibodies which are proteins produced naturally by the immune system to fight disease. These antibodies remember the disease and how to fight it. That way if you are exposed to the germ in the future your immune system can quickly destroy it before you feel sick.

5.  Why should I get vaccinated?

Without vaccines we are at sick of serious illness and disability from diseases like measles, meningitis, pneumonia, tetanus and polio. Many of these diseases are life-threatening. Some diseases may have become uncommon but the germs that cause them continue to circulate in some or all parts of the world. Infectious diseases can easily cross borders and inject anyone who is not protected. When vaccinated you are protecting yourselves and those around you.

If you are interested in learning more about vaccines and immunizations book your appointment now with Dr. Patel Medical!